Copper 101

Copper is the oldest metal known to mankind. Copper has many uses besides copper sinks and it is used in plumbing, electrical wiring, cookware, etc. It has extraordinary antibacterial properties killing bacteria and germs such as E. Coli in 1 to 2 hours as opposed to days or even weeks for stainless steel and porcelain. This innate feature of copper makes it an optimal material for kitchen and bathroom sinks.

All of our products are 100% hand made from recycled copper and reclaimed wood. This tradition of copper crafts and artwork has been handed down from generation to generation by the families of our Mexican artisans since 1538.

The most important factors when buying a copper sink are:

• PURITY OF THE COPPER
• COPPER THICKNESS
• MANUFACTURING PROCESS & QUALITY OF THE SINK

PURITY OF THE COPPER – All copper sinks should be made out of pure copper. Artesano Copper Sinks uses recycled copper that is 99.98% pure and lead free. Be aware of copper sinks manufactured in China and India due to their tendency to use copper alloys containing lead and low copper purity.

COPPER THICKNESS – This is another area were we excel. The thickness of the sinks is important specially when manufacturing Vessel sinks and large pieces such as Kitchen sinks. Copper thickness is measured by a copper gauge number; the lower the gauge the thicker the sink. So a Gauge 14 sink is thicker than a Gauge 18 sink. For our Vessel Sinks we use a very thick Gauge 14 (64 oz. copper), for our Raised Profile and Kitchen Sinks we use Gauge 16 (48 oz. copper) and for our Under Mount Sinks we use Gauges 16 or 18 (36 oz. copper) depending on the size and design.

Even though thickness is important for the durability and robustness of the sink, equally important is the hammering and heating /cooling manufacturing processes that is required to create a piece.

Here is a graphic representation of the most gauge sizes:

MANUFACTURING PROCESS & QUALITY OF THE SINK - Our copper sinks are created entirely by hand using the same ancient “martillado” (hammered) technique used centuries ago. Copper is smelted over wood fires in order to form sheets of copper and then literally hammered into shape and hand finished until the desired sink is created. The sink surface is then treated to accelerate the aging patina, this process is called "patinado" and it is done under heat giving the surface of the copper sink its characteristic color and durability.

The most relevant factors to be considered during the manufacturing process include the proper smelting and lamination (tight tolerances of the copper sheets to obtain the proper gauge) , the hammering technique , the heat treat process and finally the application of the patinas. For Kitchen sinks it is important the way the corners are constructed (interior edges and corners have to be smooth and free of burs), the welding technique, the finishing process and the proper dimensions and tolerances for ease of installation. Generally large Kitchen such as Farmhouses will require welded seams and aprons, make sure they are TIG (tungsten inert gas) welded using copper rods (copper with copper). At Artesano Copper Sinks we use the TIG welding method.

Also keep in mind when considering a smooth surface copper sink (specially a Kitchen sink) that this type of surfaces will show scratches and dents much more than a hammered surface.

Each sink is one of a kind.

At Artesano Copper Sinks we only sell first quality products and leave defective products and seconds to other companies selling on auction sites such as eBay.

INSTALLATION TYPES

There are several installation types and every type is easy to install, and so the decision about which type to choose should depend mostly on the style of sink you want in your bathroom, kitchen or bar. We recommend you have the sink installed by a professional, someone who best understands plumbing procedures. A professional installer will be better able to adapt the installation to your particular needs.

The most common SINK INSTALLATION TYPES are:

• DROP IN SINKS
• UNDER MOUNT SINKS
• VESSEL SINKS
• RAISED PROFILE SINKS (AKA SEMI-RECESSED)

DROP - IN SINKS - These styles of sinks are dropped in to the cutout in the countertop with the rim (lip) exposed above the counter. The rim is what keeps the sink in position. These sinks typically have rounded rims and are also called Countertop or Top Mount. An example of this type of sink is our Oval with Rolled Rim Bathroom Sink (BS003CV). However all sinks with a Flat Rim can also be dropped in.

UNDER MOUNT SINKS - A style of sink that is positioned under the cutout of the countertop. The rim of the sink is flat and it is used to adhere the sink to the bottom of the countertop allowing the sink to sit flush underneath the surface of the counter. These types of sinks are also called Under the Counter. An example of this type of sink is our Oval with Flat Rim Bathroom Sink (BS002CV).

VESSEL SINKS - A style of bathroom sink that is designed to sit on top of the counter and be completely or partially exposed (show only a portion of the sink). When fully exposed the drain is leveled with the counter. These types of sinks are also called Over the Counter. An example of this type of sink is our Rivera Vessel Sink (VS001CV).

RAISED PROFILE SINKS - A style of bathroom sink that is actually a hybrid of the drop in style and the vessel style. This type of sinks can be dropped into a countertop like a drop in sink, but kept partially exposed similar to a vessel sink. Generally these sinks have an apron that sits on top of the counter; the height of the apron will be the height of the sink on top of the counter. Example of this type of sink is our Doisneau Bathroom Sink (VS013CV)

Farmhouse Kitchen Sinks are also called Apron Front sinks because of the apron panel that sits just in front of the sink and is left exposed for decorative purposes once installed. This type of sinks is Under Mounted . Aprons and be straight or curved. Example of this type of sink is our Farmhouse with Straight Apron (KS001CV).

We have a true passion for what we do and we never compromise. Based in California since 2008, we create spectacular works of art.

Enjoy our dedication.